Debates between Lord Sharma and Chris Bryant during the 2017-2019 Parliament

Universal Credit: Managed Migration

Debate between Lord Sharma and Chris Bryant
Tuesday 8th January 2019

(5 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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The roll-out of UC has already taken place across all jobcentres. UC is continuing; I have set out the timetable, as the Secretary of State did yesterday. But the hon. Lady is right that we need to make sure we get this right and that is why we have the test phase. I am pleased that at least some colleagues on the Opposition Benches have acknowledged that this is an important part of making sure we get this right in terms of managed migration.

Chris Bryant Portrait Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab)
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There is a fundamental flaw that I think is utterly pernicious in terms of UC—the first five-week wait. I had a constituent in my surgery before Christmas who was in tears, because, she explained, “I have never been in debt in all my life, and now I have had to go into debt, and it is the system that is encouraging me to do that. In fact, I heard the Prime Minister on television last night say that it is a good thing that I can take out a loan which I pay back.” We must stop pushing the poorest people in our country, who are often the proudest people in our country, into debt.

Lord Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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Of course we do not want to push anyone into debt, but may I just be clear that these advances are interest-free, so over a—[Interruption.] Over a 12-month period people will get their monthly payment and then their additional advance which they pay back over that period, and of course we will be extending that to allow people to pay that back over 16 months. Many people have welcomed the advances and now about 60% of those coming on to UC are taking out advances.

Grenfell Rehousing

Debate between Lord Sharma and Chris Bryant
Wednesday 5th July 2017

(7 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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I am sorry if I did not explain myself correctly; the temporary and emergency accommodation is rent-free.

Chris Bryant Portrait Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab)
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The financial provisions for local authorities that are trying to sort out problems around the country seem very ad hoc. Would it not be much better to set up a specific fund that local authorities could draw down from, thus making a proportionate amount available for local authorities in Wales?

Lord Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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It is important to respond to the needs of individual councils and local authorities, and that is precisely what we will do in conversations with them.